How do companies benefit from a culturally diverse workforce?

We find ourselves in a time in which demographic change is developing more dynamically than ever before. It runs through many areas of our lives and of course does not stop at Austrian companies.

It is no news that this dynamic is resulting in a highly noticeable and omnipresent shortage of skilled labour. We are therefore part of a development in which we are increasingly being forced to recruit qualified workers from abroad. In addition, international markets and globalization are contributing greatly to the fact that more and more work is being done in international teams.

The recruiting and (pre-)onboarding process, as well as diversity management, will certainly become more challenging as a result. Such a change is likely to bring about innovations in the company organization and culture and international structures may undermine the familiar habitus in the everyday company life. English, for example, could established itself as a (second) business language. These are all things that may take some time getting used to at first but are certainly worth it. The international labour market is here to stay and moreover companies can benefit greatly from cultural diversity in a professional context.

Numerous scientific studies show that the productivity, creativity, and innovative strength of employees who work in diverse teams are demonstrably higher.

5 benefits at a glance:

• Innovation: Different people bring different perspectives. Use this breath of fresh air to increase the innovative strength in your company.

• Resilience: Different backgrounds find different approaches and solutions. More options can lead to better solutions for your company.

• Staff retention: Authentically practiced diversity in the company can make employees happier on the one hand, and on the other, there is a good chance that it will also increase loyalty to the company. In times of a shortage of skilled labour, you can also secure talented employees for the future.

• Employer attractiveness: The more open and tolerant a company presents itself to the outside world (and lives authentically in everyday working life), the broader the pool of potential applicants and the more you can also consolidate a positive image as a desirable employer, which is guaranteed to arouse the interest of top talents.
• Customer orientation: All of the factors mentioned above that lead to a diverse team of employees are also responsible for ensuring that customers and target groups can be more diverse. Utilize the intercultural resources in your team to best understand and address your customer base.

Diversity in your own team can therefore bring many advantages. Benefit from the realities of the times and don't be put off by the potential changes they might bring.

You don't have to tackle this change alone. Seek the right support for those matters in this innovation process that are likely to demand the most (time) resources from you.

As a relocation agency, we can provide you with support especially during the (pre-)onboarding phase. We support you and your new employees in the bureaucratic overload of obtaining the right residence permit, finding accommodation or a school place for your children and much more. RANDOS consultants‘many years of experience, especially with regard to the struggles and wishes of new arrivals, might always have a good tip ready for you at any time, which may help your internationals to feel well received (by the new company) and to start a happy professional future together. 

Don’t worry - be relocAIDed…